June 21, 2020
The UChicago Physics Department is not accepting General GRE or Physics GRE scores for applications for graduate admission in the 2020-2021 application cycle. We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the circumstances under which testing would need to occur, either in person or remotely, and believe these to be overly burdensome for applicants. All applications will be given full consideration, without reference to GRE scores which should not be mentioned anywhere in any student’s application.
Further, the UChicago Physics admissions committee will take the significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic into account when reviewing students’ portfolios, including transcripts and other materials. We understand that in many cases alternative grading (e.g. Pass/No record) will be used during the pandemic, and will take that into account in the admissions process. We also understand that the impact of the pandemic is not felt equally by all students, and will depend on a student’s individual experiences.